Wearable device with user authentication interface

BACKGROUND

0001Field of the Invention

0002The present invention generally relates to wearable devices, and more particularly, to systems and methods for implementing authentication via the wearable devices.

0003Related Art

0004With the popularity of internet and online commerce, consumers increasingly are using online services for various transactions and interactions. For example, consumers may shop online, make electronic payments, and/or communicate electronically via email services or instant message services. Many of the online services require consumers to set up an account and login credentials. Consumers are then required to log in, such as entering a login ID and password, to be authenticated before consumers may use the services. Thus, the authentication process may be inconvenient for a consumer, especially when the consumer has a plurality of different service accounts that require different authentication credentials. Consequently, there is a need for an easier way to authenticate a consumer that is both secure and convenient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

0005<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram of a networked system suitable for implementing wearable devices for user authentication according to an embodiment.

0006<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram of a wearable device suitable for implementing user authentication according to one embodiment.

0007<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> is a diagram illustrating a perspective front view of a watch type wearable device according to one embodiment.

0008<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref> is a diagram illustrating a perspective rear view of the watch type wearable device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> according to one embodiment.

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3C</figref> is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a band type wearable device according to one embodiment.

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3D</figref> is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a ring type wearable device according to one embodiment.

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3E</figref> is a diagram illustrating perspective view of a glasses type wearable device according to one embodiment.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3F</figref> is a diagram illustrating perspective view of a belt type wearable device according to one embodiment.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a block diagram of a computer system suitable for implementing one or more components in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> according to one embodiment.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a set up process for implementing user authentication via a wearable device according to one embodiment.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a method for implementing user authentication via a wearable device according to one embodiment.

0016Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures, wherein showings therein are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure and not for purposes of limiting the same.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0017According to an embodiment, a wearable device is used to authenticate a user into a user account at a user device of the user. In particular, the wearable device may include a sensor, such as an optical sensor or a pressure sensor, configured to detect whether the wearable device is worn by or is with the user. If so, the wearable device may send a signal, such as a short range wireless signal, Bluetooth Low Energy or the like, to the user device and the user device may authenticate the user based on the signal received from the wearable device.

0018In an embodiment, the wearable device may include a sensor configured to detect whether the wearable device is worn by the user. When the sensor detects that the wearable device is worn by the user, the wearable device may send a unique signal periodically, such as every five seconds or every 10 seconds. When the sensor detects that the wearable device is taken off or otherwise separated from the user, the wearable device may stop sending the unique signal. Based on whether the unique signal from the wearable device is received, the user device may authenticate the user.

0019In an embodiment, the sensor of the wearable device may be provided at an inner surface of the wearable device facing the user when the wearable device is worn by the user. The sensor may be an optical sensor configured to detect ambient light level. When the wearable device is worn by the user, the optical sensor may be covered by a body part of the user and may not receive light. When the wearable device is taken off from the user, the optical sensor may be exposed and may receive light. As such, the optical sensor may detect whether the wearable device is worn by the user.

0020In an embodiment, the sensor of the wearable device may be an actuator, such as a button, which may be depressed when the wearable device is worn by the user and may be released when the wearable device is taken off the user. In another embodiment, the sensor may be a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature. For example, the temperature sensor may detect a body temperature of the user when the wearable device is worn by the user and may detect ambient temperature of the user when the wearable device is taken off from the user. In still another embodiment, the sensor may be a proximity sensor configured to detect a presence of the user when the wearable device is worn by the user. In yet another embodiment, the sensor may be a pressure sensor or touch sensor configured to detect a pressure force or a touch from the user when the wearable device is worn by the user. Other sensors, such as a gyroscope, accelerometer, and the like, also may be used to detect an orientation and movement of the wearable device to determine whether the wearable device is worn by the user or has been taken off from the user.

0021In an embodiment, a user may set up the wearable device to be used for user authentication with the user device. The user may designate or associate the wearable device for user authentication with certain accounts of the user. In an embodiment, one wearable device may be used for user authentication of multiple different user accounts. In another embodiment, multiple wearable devices may be used in combination for user authentication of a particular user account. As such, various combinations of wearable devices may be used for user authentication of different user accounts.

0022In an embodiment, the user device may automatically authenticate the user for a user account without requiring the user to enter credentials, such as passwords or login IDs, when the user device receives the unique signal from the wearable device indicating that the wearable device is still worn by the user. In another embodiment, the user device may require a login credential for the initial login and may keep the user logged in as long as the user device receives the unique signal from the wearable device indicating that the wearable device is still worn by the user. The user device may log the user out of the account when the user device no longer receives the unique signal from the wearable device indicating that the wearable device is no longer worn by the user or is separated from the user. In an embodiment, if the user is logged out and the user device receives the unique signal from the wearable device, the user device may still require the user to provide credentials for logging in. The user device may keep the user logged in thereafter as long as the user device continues to receive the unique wireless signals from the wearable device.

0023In an embodiment, the wearable device may be a watch type device configured to provide time related information and be worn by the user. In another embodiment, the wearable device may be a jewelry type item, such as a ring, a necklace, a wrist band, and the like. In still another embodiment, the wearable device may be a belt, a neck tie, a tie pin, a collar stay, and any other wearable accessories. In still another embodiment, the wearable may be a clip or a tab configured to be attached to the user or other items carried by the user.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram of a networked system suitable for implementing wearable devices for user authentication according to an embodiment. Networked system <b>100</b> may comprise or implement a plurality of servers and/or software components that operate to perform various payment transactions or processes. Exemplary servers may include, for example, stand-alone and enterprise-class servers operating a server OS such as a MICROSOFT® OS, a UNIX® OS, a LINUX® OS, or other suitable server-based OS. It can be appreciated that the servers illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> may be deployed in other ways and that the operations performed and/or the services provided by such servers may be combined or separated for a given implementation and may be performed by a greater number or fewer number of servers. One or more servers may be operated and/or maintained by the same or different entities.

0025System <b>100</b> may include a user device <b>110</b>, a merchant server <b>140</b>, and a payment provider server <b>170</b> in communication over a network <b>160</b>. A wearable device <b>104</b> may be worn by user <b>105</b> and may communicate with user device <b>110</b>. Payment provider server <b>170</b> may be maintained by a payment service provider, such as PayPal, Inc. of San Jose, Calif. A user <b>105</b>, such as a sender or consumer, utilizes user device <b>110</b> to perform a transaction using payment provider server <b>170</b>. User <b>105</b> may utilize user device <b>110</b> to initiate a payment transaction, receive a transaction approval request, or reply to the request. Note that transaction, as used herein, refers to any suitable action performed using the user device, including payments, transfer of information, display of information, etc. For example, user <b>105</b> may utilize user device <b>110</b> to initiate a deposit into a savings account. Although only one merchant server is shown, a plurality of merchant servers may be utilized if the user is purchasing products or services from multiple merchants.

0026In some embodiments, the user <b>105</b> may have a payment account at the payment provider server <b>170</b>. The payment account may allow user <b>105</b> to purchase and/or pay for various products or services at a merchant. The user <b>105</b> may be required to enter credentials for user authentication at the user device <b>110</b> to access and use the payment account. The wearable device <b>104</b> may be associated with the payment account of the user <b>105</b> and be used for user authentication. The wearable device <b>104</b> may emit a wireless signal, such as Bluetooth signal, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal, or other Near-Field Communication (NFC) signal, to indicate that the wearable device <b>104</b> is worn by the user <b>105</b>. The user device may authenticate the user <b>105</b> based on the signal emitted from the wearable device <b>104</b>.

0027User device <b>110</b>, merchant server <b>140</b>, payment provider server <b>170</b>, and wearable device <b>104</b> may each include one or more processors, memories, and other appropriate components for executing instructions such as program code and/or data stored on one or more computer readable mediums to implement the various applications, data, and steps described herein. For example, such instructions may be stored in one or more computer readable media such as memories or data storage devices internal and/or external to various components of system <b>100</b>, and/or accessible over network <b>160</b>. Network <b>160</b> may be implemented as a single network or a combination of multiple networks. For example, in various embodiments, network <b>160</b> may include the Internet or one or more intranets, landline networks, wireless networks, and/or other appropriate types of networks.

0028User device <b>110</b> may be implemented using any appropriate hardware and software configured for wired and/or wireless communication over network <b>160</b>. For example, in one embodiment, user device <b>110</b> may be implemented as a personal computer (PC), a smart phone, laptop computer, a wearable computing device, and/or other types of computing devices capable of transmitting and/or receiving data, such as an iPad™ from Apple™.

0029User device <b>110</b> may include one or more browser applications <b>115</b> which may be used, for example, to provide a convenient interface to permit user <b>105</b> to browse information available over network <b>160</b>. For example, in one embodiment, browser application <b>115</b> may be implemented as a web browser configured to view information available over the Internet, such as a user account for setting up a shopping list and/or merchant sites for viewing and purchasing products and services. User device <b>110</b> may also include one or more toolbar applications <b>120</b> which may be used, for example, to provide client-side processing for performing desired tasks in response to operations selected by user <b>105</b>. In one embodiment, toolbar application <b>120</b> may display a user interface in connection with browser application <b>115</b>.

0030User device <b>110</b> may further include other applications <b>125</b> as may be desired in particular embodiments to provide desired features to user device <b>110</b>. For example, other applications <b>125</b> may include security applications for implementing client-side security features, programmatic client applications for interfacing with appropriate application programming interfaces (APIs) over network <b>160</b>, or other types of applications.

0031Applications <b>125</b> may also include email, texting, voice and IM applications that allow user <b>105</b> to send and receive emails, calls, and texts through network <b>160</b>, as well as applications that enable the user to communicate, transfer information, make payments, and otherwise utilize a smart wallet through the payment provider as discussed above. User device <b>110</b> includes one or more user identifiers <b>130</b> which may be implemented, for example, as operating system registry entries, cookies associated with browser application <b>115</b>, identifiers associated with hardware of user device <b>110</b>, or other appropriate identifiers, such as used for payment/user/device authentication. In one embodiment, user identifier <b>130</b> may be used by a payment service provider to associate user <b>105</b> with a particular account maintained by the payment provider. A communications application <b>122</b>, with associated interfaces, enables user device <b>110</b> to communicate within system <b>100</b>.

0032User device <b>110</b> may include a short distance communication device, such as a Bluetooth device or a Near-Field Communication (NFC) device configured to communicate with other devices located near the user device <b>110</b>. The Bluetooth device may implement low energy Bluetooth (BLE) communication. For example, user device <b>110</b> may communicate with wearable device <b>104</b> via BLE or NFC communication to indicate whether the wearable device is worn by the user.

0033Merchant server <b>140</b> may be maintained, for example, by a merchant or seller offering various products and/or services. The merchant may have a physical point-of-sale (POS) store front. The merchant may be a participating merchant who has a merchant account with the payment service provider. Merchant server <b>140</b> may be used for POS or online purchases and transactions. Generally, merchant server <b>140</b> may be maintained by anyone or any entity that receives money, which includes service providers as well as banks and retailers. Merchant server <b>140</b> may include a database <b>145</b> identifying available products (including digital goods) and/or services (e.g., collectively referred to as items) which may be made available for viewing and purchase by user <b>105</b>. Accordingly, merchant server <b>140</b> also may include a marketplace application <b>150</b> which may be configured to serve information over network <b>160</b> to browser <b>115</b> of user device <b>110</b>. In one embodiment, user <b>105</b> may interact with marketplace application <b>150</b> through browser applications over network <b>160</b> in order to view various products, food items, or services identified in database <b>145</b>.

0034Merchant server <b>140</b> also may include a checkout application <b>155</b> which may be configured to facilitate the purchase by user <b>105</b> of goods or services online or at a physical POS or store front. Checkout application <b>155</b> may be configured to accept payment information from or on behalf of user <b>105</b> through payment service provider server <b>170</b> over network <b>160</b>. For example, checkout application <b>155</b> may receive and process a payment confirmation from payment service provider server <b>170</b>, as well as transmit transaction information to the payment provider and receive information from the payment provider (e.g., a transaction ID). Checkout application <b>155</b> may be configured to receive payment via a plurality of payment methods including cash, credit cards, debit cards, checks, money orders, or the like.

0035Payment provider server <b>170</b> may be maintained, for example, by an online payment service provider which may provide payment between user <b>105</b> and the operator of merchant server <b>140</b>. In this regard, payment provider server <b>170</b> includes one or more payment applications <b>175</b> which may be configured to interact with user device <b>110</b> and/or merchant server <b>140</b> over network <b>160</b> to facilitate the purchase of goods or services, communicate/display information, and send payments by user <b>105</b> of user device <b>110</b>.

0036Payment provider server <b>170</b> also maintains a plurality of user accounts <b>180</b>, each of which may include account information <b>185</b> associated with consumers, merchants, and funding sources, such as banks or credit card companies. For example, account information <b>185</b> may include private financial information of users of devices such as account numbers, passwords, device identifiers, user names, phone numbers, credit card information, bank information, or other financial information which may be used to facilitate online transactions by user <b>105</b>. In an embodiment, the account information <b>185</b> also may include information about wearable devices of the user <b>105</b> that are associated with the user account of the user <b>105</b> and that may be used to provide user authentication for accessing the user account. Advantageously, payment application <b>175</b> may be configured to interact with merchant server <b>140</b> on behalf of user <b>105</b> during a transaction with checkout application <b>155</b> to track and manage purchases made by users and which and when funding sources are used.

0037A transaction processing application <b>190</b>, which may be part of payment application <b>175</b> or separate, may be configured to receive information from user device <b>110</b> and/or merchant server <b>140</b> for processing and storage in a payment database <b>195</b>. Transaction processing application <b>190</b> may include one or more applications to process information from user <b>105</b> for processing an order and payment using various selected funding instruments, including for initial purchase and payment after purchase as described herein. As such, transaction processing application <b>190</b> may store details of an order from individual users, including funding source used, credit options available, etc. Payment application <b>175</b> may be further configured to determine the existence of and to manage accounts for user <b>105</b>, as well as create new accounts if necessary.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram of a wearable device suitable for implementing user authentication according to one embodiment. Wearable device <b>104</b> may be a wearable item that may be worn by the user <b>105</b> or be attached to the user <b>105</b> or other items carried by the user <b>105</b>. As such, the wearable device <b>104</b> may be a personal item to the user <b>105</b> that is worn or carried by the user <b>105</b>. The wearable device <b>105</b> may include a sensor <b>210</b> configured to detect whether the wearable device <b>105</b> is currently being worn by the user <b>105</b>. In an embodiment, the sensor <b>210</b> may be an optical sensor configured to detect light, such as ambient light. The optical sensor may be provided on a surface of the wearable device <b>104</b> interfacing with the user <b>105</b>, such that when the user <b>105</b> is wearing the wearable device <b>104</b>, the optical sensor is covered and is not exposed to light or is exposed to minimal light. In an embodiment, the sensor may be a mechanical actuator, such as a mechanical button that can be depressed. The mechanical actuator may be provided on a surface of the wearable device <b>105</b> facing the user <b>105</b>, such that when the user <b>105</b> is wearing the wearable device <b>105</b>, the mechanical actuator is actuated or depressed, and when the wearable device <b>105</b> is separated from the user <b>105</b>, the mechanical actuator is not actuated or is released.

0039In still another embodiment, the sensor <b>210</b> is a connector provided at a fastening portion of the wearable device. For example, the connector may be provided on a wrist band of a watch type wearable device <b>104</b> to detect when the wrist band is unbuckled. The connector may include two connecting portions that are selectively connected and disconnected based on whether the fastening portion of the wearable device is connected or not. Thus, the connector may detect that the watch type wearable device is unbuckled and taken off the user when the connector is disconnected.

0040In yet another embodiment, the sensor <b>210</b> is a pressure sensor or touch sensor, such as a capacitive or resistive touch screen configured to detect a pressure or a touch from the user. The pressure sensor or the touch sensor may be provided on a surface of the wearable device <b>104</b> facing the user <b>105</b>'s body part when the wearable device is worn by the user <b>105</b>. Thus, the sensor may detect that the wearable device <b>104</b> is worn by the user <b>105</b> when the sensor <b>210</b> is continuously contacted or touched by a body part of the user <b>105</b>.

0041In an embodiment, the sensor <b>210</b> is a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature. The temperature sensor may be provided on a surface of the wearable device <b>104</b>. In particular, the temperature sensor is configured to contact or come in close proximity to a body part of the user <b>105</b> and to detect a body temperature of the user when the wearable device <b>104</b> is worn by the user <b>105</b>. When the wearable device <b>104</b> is taken off of the user <b>105</b> or is separated from the user <b>105</b>, the temperature sensor may detect a drop of temperature from the user <b>105</b>'s body temperature to a lower temperature, such as an ambient temperature. Thus, the temperature sensor may detect whether the wearable device <b>104</b> is worn by the user <b>105</b>.

0042In an embodiment, the sensor <b>210</b> may be a gyroscope or an accelerometer configured to detect an orientation and movement of the wearable device <b>104</b>. In particular, whether the wearable device <b>104</b> is worn by the user <b>105</b> may be determined based on the movement patterns or orientations of the wearable device <b>104</b>. For example, if the wearable device <b>104</b> experiences abnormal shock, such being dropped on the floor, the accelerometer may detect this abnormal shock which may be used to determine that the wearable device <b>104</b> is separated from the user <b>105</b>. In another example, certain movement patterns may be established to be associated with the wearable device <b>104</b> being taken off from the user <b>105</b>.

0043In some embodiments, the wearable device <b>104</b> may include one or more of the aforementioned types of sensors to detect whether the wearable device <b>104</b> is still worn by the user <b>105</b>. Different combinations of sensors may be used in coordination with each other to provide better detections. For example, the optical sensor, the temperature sensor, and the accelerometer may be used together to provide more accurate detection of when the wearable device <b>104</b> is worn by the user <b>105</b> and when the wearable device <b>104</b> is taken off from the user <b>105</b>.

0044The wearable device <b>104</b> may include a communication device <b>230</b> configured to communicate with other devices. The communication device <b>230</b> may include a short range communication device, such as a Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication device, a Near-Field Communication (NFC) device, WiFi, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the communication device <b>230</b> may include a signal emitter configured to emit a wireless signal, without receiving communication from others. The communication device <b>230</b> may be configured to emit a unique wireless signal including unique patterns and/or frequencies, without a signal receiver. As such, the wearable device <b>104</b> may remain compact and low cost. In another embodiment, the communication device <b>230</b> may be configured to include a signal transmitter and a signal receiver to emit and receive communication signals. The signal range of the communication device <b>230</b> may be limited to a few feet, such that nearby devices may detect and/or communicate wirelessly.

0045The wearable device <b>104</b> may include a controller <b>220</b> configured to manage and control various operations of the wearable device <b>104</b>. The controller <b>220</b> may include a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a combination thereof. The controller <b>220</b> may be configured or programmed to receive signals from the sensors <b>210</b> and make determinations or decisions regarding controlling the operations of other devices, such as a communication device <b>230</b> and/or the output device <b>240</b>. For example, based on the signals received from the sensors, the controller <b>220</b> may determine whether the wearable device <b>104</b> is still worn by the user and may control the communication device <b>230</b> to emit signals accordingly.

0046The wearable device <b>104</b> also may include an output device <b>240</b> configured to communicate with user <b>105</b>. For example, output device <b>240</b> may be an audio signal emitter configured to emit audio signals to the user <b>105</b>. In another example, output device <b>240</b> may be an LED component configured to provide visual output. In still another example, output device <b>240</b> may be a vibration device configured to vibrate to communicate with user <b>105</b>. In some embodiments, output device <b>240</b> may include one or more types of different output devices, such as a combination of an LED component and an audio signal emitter to provide different types of outputs to the user <b>105</b>.

0047The wearable device <b>104</b> may be powered by a battery, which may be a rechargeable battery. For example, the wearable device <b>104</b> may be powered by solar battery or by kinetic energy, such as the movement of user <b>105</b>. In another example, the wearable device <b>104</b> may be powered by replaceable batteries.

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> is a diagram illustrating a perspective front view of a watch type wearable device <b>104</b><i>a </i>according to one embodiment. The watch type wearable device <b>104</b><i>a </i>may include a watch case <b>310</b> within which various components, such as sensors <b>210</b>, controller <b>220</b>, communication device <b>230</b> and output device <b>240</b>, are disposed. The watch case <b>310</b> may include a front surface configured to display time. The front surface may be a glass surface and may include a touch screen configured to receive inputs from the user <b>105</b>. The watch type wearable device <b>104</b><i>a </i>also may include fastening portions <b>312</b> configured to fasten the watch type wearable device <b>104</b><i>a </i>to the user <b>105</b>.

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref> is a diagram illustrating a perspective rear view of the watch type wearable device <b>104</b><i>a </i>of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> according to one embodiment. The rear surface of the watch case <b>310</b> may include a sensor <b>210</b><i>b</i>. When the watch type wearable device <b>104</b><i>a </i>is worn by the user <b>105</b> or fastened to the user <b>105</b>, the rear surface may contact the user <b>105</b>, such as a wrist of the user <b>105</b>. The sensor <b>210</b><i>b </i>provided on the rear surface also may contact the user <b>105</b>. The sensor <b>210</b><i>b </i>may be one or more of a pressure sensor, a contact sensor, a temperature sensor, an actuator type sensor, and the like that is configured to detect the user <b>105</b> when the watch type wearable device <b>104</b><i>a </i>is worn by the user <b>105</b> and the sensor <b>210</b><i>b </i>comes into contact with the user <b>105</b>.

0050The watch type wearable device <b>104</b><i>a </i>may also include sensors <b>210</b><i>a </i>provided at the fastening portion <b>312</b> of the watch type wearable device <b>104</b><i>a</i>. The sensors <b>210</b><i>a </i>may be a connector type sensor configured to detect connection and disconnection of the fastening portions <b>312</b> when the watch type wearable device <b>104</b><i>a </i>is selectively fastened to and taken off from user <b>105</b>. When the watch type wearable device <b>104</b><i>a </i>is fastened to the user <b>105</b> as detected by sensors <b>210</b><i>a </i>and/or <b>210</b><i>b</i>, the watch type wearable device <b>104</b><i>a </i>may emit a signal indicating that the wearable device <b>104</b><i>a </i>is still worn by the user <b>105</b>.

0051<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3C</figref> is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a band type wearable device <b>104</b><i>b </i>according to one embodiment. The band type wearable device <b>104</b><i>b </i>may include a band body <b>320</b> within which various components, such as sensors <b>210</b>, controller <b>220</b>, communication device <b>230</b> and output device <b>240</b>, are disposed. The band body <b>320</b> may include an inner surface <b>322</b> configured to contact the user <b>105</b> when the band type wearable device <b>104</b><i>b </i>is worn by the user <b>105</b>.

0052The inner surface <b>322</b> of the band body <b>320</b> may include a sensor <b>210</b><i>c</i>. When the band type wearable device <b>104</b><i>b </i>is worn by the user <b>105</b> or fastened to the user <b>105</b>, the inner surface <b>322</b> may contact the user <b>105</b>, such as a wrist of the user <b>105</b>. The sensor <b>210</b><i>c </i>provided on the inner surface <b>322</b> also may contact the user <b>105</b>. The sensor <b>210</b><i>c </i>may be one or more of a pressure sensor, a contact sensor, a temperature sensor, an actuator type sensor, and the like that is configured to detect the user <b>105</b> when the band type wearable device <b>104</b><i>b </i>is worn by the user <b>105</b> and the sensor <b>210</b><i>c </i>comes into contact with the user <b>105</b>. The band type wearable device <b>104</b><i>b </i>may be a functional wrist band or a jewelry piece, such as a wrist band, a neck collar, and the like.

0053<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3D</figref> is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a ring type wearable device <b>104</b><i>c </i>according to one embodiment. The ring type wearable device <b>104</b><i>c </i>may include a ring body <b>330</b> and a setting <b>332</b>. Various components, such as sensors <b>210</b>, controller <b>220</b>, communication device <b>230</b> and output device <b>240</b>, may be disposed in the ring body <b>330</b> and/or setting <b>332</b>. A sensor <b>210</b><i>d </i>may be provided at the setting <b>332</b>. When the ring type wearable device <b>104</b><i>c </i>is worn by the user <b>105</b>, a bottom surface or inner surface of the ring body <b>33</b> and setting <b>332</b> may contact the user <b>105</b>. The sensor <b>210</b><i>d </i>provided on the inner surface also may contact the user <b>105</b>. The sensor <b>210</b><i>d </i>may be one or more of a pressure sensor, a contact sensor, a temperature sensor, an actuator type sensor, and the like that is configured to detect the user <b>105</b> when the ring type wearable device <b>104</b><i>c </i>is worn by the user <b>105</b> and the sensor <b>210</b><i>d </i>comes into contact with the user <b>105</b>.

0054<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3E</figref> is a diagram illustrating perspective view of a glasses type wearable device <b>104</b><i>d </i>according to one embodiment. The glasses type wearable device <b>104</b><i>d </i>may include an eyeglass frame including temple portions <b>342</b> connected to lens frames <b>340</b> via hinges <b>346</b>. The lens frames <b>340</b> include a bridge portion <b>344</b>. Various components, such as sensors <b>210</b>, controller <b>220</b>, communication device <b>230</b> and output device <b>240</b>, may be disposed in the glass frame. In an example, sensors <b>210</b><i>e </i>may be provided on the bridge portion <b>344</b> to detect user contacts. Sensors <b>210</b><i>e </i>also may be provided on inner surfaces of temple portions <b>342</b> to detect user contacts. The sensor <b>210</b><i>e </i>may be one or more of a pressure sensor, a contact sensor, a temperature sensor, an actuator type sensor, and the like that is configured to detect contact with the user <b>105</b>. In an embodiment, sensors <b>210</b><i>e </i>may be tension sensors provided at the hinges <b>346</b> to detect tensions at the hinges <b>346</b> when the glasses type wearable device <b>104</b><i>d </i>is worn by the user <b>105</b>. Thus, various sensors may be provided to detect whether the glasses type wearable device <b>104</b><i>d </i>is worn by the user <b>105</b>.

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3F</figref> is a diagram illustrating perspective view of a belt type wearable device <b>104</b><i>e </i>according to one embodiment. The belt type wearable device <b>104</b><i>e </i>may include a belt buckle portion <b>350</b> and a belt portion <b>352</b>. Various components, such as sensors <b>210</b>, controller <b>220</b>, communication device <b>230</b> and output device <b>240</b>, may be disposed in belt buckle portion <b>350</b>. In an example, a sensor <b>210</b><i>f </i>may be provided at the belt buckle portion <b>350</b>. The sensor <b>210</b><i>f </i>may be one or more of a pressure sensor, a contact sensor, a temperature sensor, an actuator type sensor, and the like that is configured to detect contact with the user <b>105</b>.

0056Other types of wearable devices <b>104</b> that may be attached to or carried by the user <b>105</b> also may be utilized. For example, the wearable device <b>104</b> may be a clip configured to attach to the user <b>105</b> or items carried by the user <b>105</b>. In another example, the wearable device <b>104</b> may be a tab that may be inserted or placed inside a bag or a wallet of the user <b>105</b>.

0057<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a set up process <b>500</b> for implementing user authentication via a wearable device according to one embodiment. Initially, the <b>105</b> may put the wearable device <b>104</b> on and may turn on, if needed, the wearable device <b>104</b>. The wearable device <b>104</b> may then detect, by one or more sensors <b>210</b>, that the wearable device <b>104</b> is being worn by the user <b>105</b>. The controller <b>220</b> of the wearable device <b>104</b> may then control the communication device <b>230</b> to generate and emit unique wireless signals. The unique wireless signals may be emitted at a particular frequency or pattern associated with the wearable device <b>104</b>. For example, different types of wearable devices may have different frequencies or patterns. In another example, the unique signal may include information representing a unique device ID of the wearable device <b>104</b>. The signal may be emitted periodically, such as every 5 seconds or every 10 seconds, as long as the wearable device <b>104</b> is worn by the user <b>105</b>. The signal also may carry information related to the wearable device <b>104</b>, such as type, name, ID, description, specification, and/or status (whether worn by the user) of the wearable device <b>104</b>.

0058At step <b>502</b>, the user device <b>110</b> may detect the unique signal emitted from the wearable device <b>104</b>. For example, the user device <b>110</b> may be carried by the user <b>105</b> or the user <b>105</b> is currently using the user device <b>110</b>. As such, the user device <b>110</b> may be located within the wireless broadcast range of the wearable device <b>104</b>. At step <b>504</b>, the user device <b>110</b> may register or receive the signal. The user device <b>110</b> may analyze the signal from the wearable device <b>104</b> and may determine that the signal is from a wearable device for user authentication. The user device <b>110</b> may ask the user <b>105</b> whether the user <b>105</b> would like to register the wireless signal for user authentication. If so, the user <b>105</b> may be allowed to designate one or more user accounts which may use the signal for user authentication. For example, the user may associate the wireless signal with user <b>105</b>'s payment account at a payment service provider. As such, the wireless signal may be used to authenticate user for that payment account.

0059At step <b>506</b>, the user device <b>110</b> may authenticate user <b>105</b> for the designated account. For example, the user device <b>110</b> may ask for the user's login ID, password, finger-print scan, and the like. When the user <b>105</b> is authenticated successfully, the user device <b>110</b> may then associate the signals from the wearable device <b>104</b> with the designated accounts at step <b>508</b>. As such, the unique signals from the wearable device <b>104</b> may be used to authenticate the user for the designated accounts.

0060At step <b>510</b>, the user device <b>110</b> may allow the user <b>105</b> to select or input authentication settings for the designated accounts with regard to the signals. In particular, the user <b>105</b> may customize the authentication process for the designated accounts with regard to whether the unique signals are received by the user device <b>110</b>, e.g., whether the wearable device <b>104</b> is worn by the user <b>105</b>. For example, if the user device <b>110</b> determines that the user <b>105</b> is wearing the wearable device <b>104</b> based on the signals received from the wearable device <b>104</b>, the user device <b>104</b> may keep the user <b>105</b> logged in as long as the user device <b>110</b> continues to receive signals from the wearable device indicating that the user <b>105</b> is still wearing the wearable device. The user device <b>110</b> may log user <b>105</b> out after a predetermined amount of time (which can be immediately) if the user device <b>110</b> no longer receives the signals from the wearable device <b>104</b>.

0061In an embodiment, if the user device <b>110</b> detects the signals from the wearable device <b>104</b> indicating that the user <b>105</b> is wearing the wearable device <b>104</b>, the user device <b>110</b> may automatically authenticate the user <b>105</b> or log the user <b>105</b> into the designated account without requiring credentials, such as passwords or login IDs. In still another embodiment, if the user device <b>110</b> detects the signals from the wearable device <b>104</b> indicating that the user <b>105</b> is wearing the wearable device <b>104</b>, the user device <b>110</b> may require less credentials for authentication or have less strict security requirements. The user <b>105</b> may select and customize how the wearable device <b>104</b> may provide different features of user authentication for different user accounts.

0062In an embodiment, the user device <b>110</b> may allow the user to designate a combination of different signals from different wearable devices for a particular account. For example, automatic user authentication may be implemented for a particular account when the user device <b>110</b> detects that the user <b>105</b> is wearing both a particular ring type wearable device and a particular watch type wearable device. In an embodiment, different combinations of wearable devices may be designated for different authentication requirements. For example, when the user <b>105</b> is wearing a particular combination of three wearable devices, the authentication requirement may be less than when the user <b>105</b> is wearing two of the three wearable devices.

0063In an embodiment, one wearable device <b>104</b> may be used to provide authentication for multiple of user's accounts. For example, when the user <b>105</b> is wearing a particular watch type wearable device <b>104</b><i>a</i>, the user device <b>110</b> may keep the user <b>105</b> logged in at the user <b>105</b>'s bank account and at the user <b>105</b>'s shopping account. In another embodiment, different types of wearable devices <b>104</b> may provide different levels of authentication requirement. For example, wearing a ring-type wearable device <b>104</b><i>c </i>may allow automatic access to an account, while wearing a watch-type wearable device <b>104</b><i>a </i>may still require the user <b>105</b> to enter his/her user ID.

0064At step <b>512</b>, the user device <b>110</b> may confirm set up with the user <b>105</b>. For example, a notification may be provided on the user device <b>110</b> to inform the user <b>105</b> that a particular wearable device <b>104</b> is now set up for user authentication of a particular user's account. In another example, the output device <b>240</b> at the wearable device <b>104</b> may confirm the set up by beeping, LED flashing or color change, vibrations, or information display (on a screen). The user device <b>110</b> may store and update the authentication settings of various accounts of the user <b>105</b> and their respective associated wearable devices. The user device <b>110</b> may provide a user interface for the user <b>105</b> to update, add, delete, and/or modify the authentication settings related to wearable devices.

0065<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a method <b>600</b> for implementing user authentication via a wearable device according to one embodiment. At step <b>602</b>, the user device <b>110</b> may detect unique signals from a wearable device <b>104</b>. For example, when the user <b>105</b> puts on the wearable device <b>104</b>, the wearable device <b>104</b> may detect the user <b>105</b> via sensors <b>210</b> and may begin to emit the unique signals. In an embodiment, the wearable device <b>104</b> may previously have been registered with the user device <b>110</b>, such that the wearable device <b>104</b> may automatically be paired with the user device <b>110</b>, e.g., via Bluetooth communication.

0066At step <b>604</b>, the user device <b>110</b> may determine whether the unique signals are for user authentication. In particular, the user device <b>110</b> may check and see if the received unique signals are associated with one or more of the user <b>105</b>'s accounts. If so, the user device <b>110</b> also may look up the authentication settings to determine how the unique signals may alter the authentication process for the account. At step <b>606</b>, the user device <b>110</b> may authenticate the user <b>105</b> based on the authentication settings for the designated account in view of the detected signals. For example, if the user <b>105</b> has not been logged into the account, the user device <b>110</b> may log the user <b>105</b> in automatically without requiring user credentials in view of the signals received from the wearable device <b>104</b>. If the user <b>105</b> already is logged into the account, the user device <b>110</b> may maintain the logged in session in view of the signals received from the wearable device <b>104</b>.

0067At step <b>608</b>, the user device <b>110</b> may determine whether the signals from the wearable device <b>104</b> are received continuously at the user device <b>110</b>. For example, the wearable device <b>104</b> may emit the signals periodically, e.g., every few seconds. The user device <b>110</b> may determine whether the signals are received periodically from the wearable device <b>104</b> indicating that the user <b>104</b> still is wearing the wearable device <b>104</b>. If the user device <b>110</b> continues to receive the signals from the wearable device <b>104</b>, the user device <b>110</b> may keep the user <b>105</b> authenticated at step <b>610</b>. For example, the user device <b>110</b> may keep the user <b>105</b> logged in at the account. In another example, the user device <b>110</b> may have a lower security requirement or authentication requirement for logging in when the user device <b>110</b> continuously receives the signals from the wearable device <b>104</b>. The process then may go back to step <b>608</b> where the user device <b>110</b> continues to check whether the signals from the wearable device <b>104</b> still are detected at the user device <b>110</b>.

0068If the user device <b>110</b> stops receiving the signals from the wearable device <b>104</b> which indicates that the wearable device is taken off from the user <b>105</b> or is separated from the user <b>105</b>, the user device <b>110</b> may log user <b>105</b> out of the account or stop authenticating the user <b>105</b> immediately or within a certain time period, which may depend on user, system, and/or account settings. In another example, the user device <b>110</b> may require higher or stricter authentication requirements when the user <b>105</b> is not wearing the wearable device <b>104</b>.

0069After the wearable device <b>104</b> has been taken off from the user <b>105</b>, the user device <b>110</b> may require that the user <b>105</b> provide authentication credentials to log in again even if the wearable device <b>104</b> has been put back on the user <b>105</b>. This may ensure that the wearable device <b>104</b> is not worn by another user for the purpose of unauthorized access to the user's account.

0070By implementing processes <b>500</b> and <b>600</b>, a wearable device <b>104</b> may be provided to facilitate easier and safer authentication process for the user <b>105</b>. In particular, the wearable device <b>104</b> may include sensors that may detect whether the wearable device <b>104</b> is worn or attached to the user <b>105</b>. The wearable device <b>104</b> may be configured to emit signals indicating that the wearable device <b>104</b> is worn by the user <b>105</b>. Based on the status of the wearable device <b>104</b>, the user device <b>110</b> may allow automatic or easier authentication process for the user's account. The automatic or easier authentication may end once the wearable device <b>104</b> is taken off from the user <b>105</b> to provide security to the user's account.

0071In the above embodiments, the wearable device <b>104</b> is utilized for authentication into user's accounts at the user device <b>104</b>. In another embodiment, the wearable device <b>104</b> may be utilized for user authentication for access into buildings, areas, events, vehicles, transportation networks, and any location where user authentication is required.

0072<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a block diagram of a computer system <b>400</b> suitable for implementing one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In various implementations, the user device may comprise a personal computing device (e.g., smart phone, a computing tablet, a personal computer, laptop, Bluetooth device, key FOB, badge, wearable computing device, etc.) capable of communicating with the network. The merchant and/or payment provider may utilize a network computing device (e.g., a network server) capable of communicating with the network. It should be appreciated that each of the devices utilized by users, merchants, and payment providers may be implemented as computer system <b>400</b> in a manner as follows.

0073Computer system <b>400</b> includes a bus <b>402</b> or other communication mechanism for communicating information data, signals, and information between various components of computer system <b>400</b>. Components include an input/output (I/O) component <b>404</b> that processes a user action, such as selecting keys from a keypad/keyboard, selecting one or more buttons or links, etc., and sends a corresponding signal to bus <b>402</b>. I/O component <b>404</b> may also include an output component, such as a display <b>411</b> and a cursor control <b>413</b> (such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, etc.). An optional audio input/output component <b>405</b> may also be included to allow a user to use voice for inputting information by converting audio signals. Audio I/O component <b>405</b> may allow the user to hear audio. A transceiver or network interface <b>406</b> transmits and receives signals between computer system <b>400</b> and other devices, such as another user device, a merchant server, or a payment provider server via network <b>160</b>. In one embodiment, the transmission is wireless, although other transmission mediums and methods may also be suitable. A processor <b>412</b>, which can be a micro-controller, digital signal processor (DSP), or other processing component, processes these various signals, such as for display on computer system <b>400</b> or transmission to other devices via a communication link <b>418</b>. Processor <b>412</b> may also control transmission of information, such as cookies or IP addresses, to other devices.

0074Components of computer system <b>400</b> also include a system memory component <b>414</b> (e.g., RAM), a static storage component <b>416</b> (e.g., ROM), and/or a disk drive <b>417</b>. Computer system <b>400</b> performs specific operations by processor <b>412</b> and other components by executing one or more sequences of instructions contained in system memory component <b>414</b>. Logic may be encoded in a computer readable medium, which may refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to processor <b>412</b> for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. In various implementations, non-volatile media includes optical or magnetic disks, volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as system memory component <b>414</b>, and transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including wires that comprise bus <b>402</b>. In one embodiment, the logic is encoded in non-transitory computer readable medium. In one example, transmission media may take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave, optical, and infrared data communications.

0075Some common forms of computer readable media includes, for example, floppy disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, RAM, PROM, EEPROM, FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer is adapted to read.

0076In various embodiments of the present disclosure, execution of instruction sequences to practice the present disclosure may be performed by computer system <b>400</b>. In various other embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of computer systems <b>400</b> coupled by communication link <b>418</b> to the network (e.g., such as a LAN, WLAN, PTSN, and/or various other wired or wireless networks, including telecommunications, mobile, and cellular phone networks) may perform instruction sequences to practice the present disclosure in coordination with one another.

0077Where applicable, various embodiments provided by the present disclosure may be implemented using hardware, software, or combinations of hardware and software. Also, where applicable, the various hardware components and/or software components set forth herein may be combined into composite components comprising software, hardware, and/or both without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Where applicable, the various hardware components and/or software components set forth herein may be separated into sub-components comprising software, hardware, or both without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, where applicable, it is contemplated that software components may be implemented as hardware components and vice-versa.

0078Software, in accordance with the present disclosure, such as program code and/or data, may be stored on one or more computer readable mediums. It is also contemplated that software identified herein may be implemented using one or more general purpose or specific purpose computers and/or computer systems, networked and/or otherwise. Where applicable, the ordering of various steps described herein may be changed, combined into composite steps, and/or separated into sub-steps to provide features described herein.

0079The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.